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New York Giants Will Likely Key on Green Bay Packers’ Randall Cobb

November 24th, 2012 at 6:30 AM By Casey Sherman

The New York Giants will face an explosive Green Bay Packers offense Sunday, which is led by elite quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, one other player who concerns the Giants' defense would be the do-it-all Randall Cobb. The second year receiver from Kentucky provides a triple threat with his ability as a running back, receiver, and returner. Several Giants defenders spoke about how impressed they are with his play-making ability.

"He's one of their best players on offense, if not their best player besides Aaron Rodgers," Giants safety Kenny Phillips said. "He's a dynamic player, we know that. Whenever he's in the backfield we have to get as many people to the ball as we can."

Cobb burst onto the NFL scene this year providing the Packers with a shot of youth at a position filled with aging veterans, including Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Cobb offers explosive speed and the ability to line up anywhere, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses and special teams.

"A punt returner, kick returner, leading receiver, he runs the ball out of the backfield, shovel pass, he's kind of done everything," Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn said. "He's a screen guy. He's a very gifted athlete and they're going to try to put the ball in his hands."

All you have to do is look at his statistics to realize how versatile of a player Cobb is. He leads the Packers' receivers with 54 catches and ranks second in receiving yards (574) and touchdowns (seven). Cobb has only rushed the ball eight times, but he's racked up an impressive 115 yards; that's an average of 14.4 yards per carry. But perhaps the area he is most dangerous in is the return game. He's returned 19 punts for 211 yards and 24 kick returns for an impressive 627 yards.

"Randall Cobb is a very explosive player, a very gifted player. You can put him at multiple positions: returner, receiver, he can line up in the backfield. He is a guy that is definitely peaking right now," Giants safety Antrel Rolle said. "They have multiple receivers and tight ends. With Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball, it doesn’t make it any easier."

Cobb presents a tough challenge for the Giants' defense and special teams, but if they can at least limit his damage they stand a much better chance at winning.

yeah not sure we can key too much on anyone.. You key on Cob and Nelson, Jones, Finley and Driver kill you. Not to mention Jennings if he plays. I think we play a lot of two deep and hope the front 4 can get pressure on Rogers. I see a ton of the big nickel with 2 LB’s and 3 safeties

You can get away with a drastic overshift in college … but not the pros. The drop-off isn’t so significant that you can play anyone cheap. Maybe it’s a bluff. Agreed that we’ll see a lot of pass packages. GB isn’t much on the ground. I’d like to throw the odd blitz in there too.